H.E. Isabelle Catherine Martin, the newly appointed High Commissioner of Canada to Sri Lanka, paid a courtesy call on Prime Minister Dr. Harini Amarasuriya on 15 December 2025 at Temple Trees.

The High Commissioner conveyed Canada’s condolences over the devastation caused by Cyclone Ditwah and reaffirmed Canada’s readiness to extend further support to Sri Lanka during the recovery process. The Prime Minister expressed her appreciation for the assistance extended by the international community, including Canada, noting that Sri Lanka has now entered the second phase of post-disaster recovery following the completion of rescue and immediate relief operations.

The Prime Minister further noted that schools are scheduled to reopen from the following day, with the majority able to resume normal operations. She emphasised the importance of returning to normalcy and gradually scaling down relief centres where appropriate.

The High Commissioner reaffirmed Canada’s focus on supporting the agricultural sector, recognizing its importance to livelihoods and economic stability. In response, the Prime Minister informed that the Government has advised farmers to recommence cultivation and has already initiated support measures to assist them.

The High Commissioner also highlighted the importance of effective implementation of official language policies to ensure inclusivity and equal opportunities for all citizens, noting the potential use of artificial intelligence tools to support translation and communication. The Prime Minister expressed interest in expanding cooperation in the education sector, particularly in teacher exchange programmes alongside existing student collaboration initiatives, and noted Sri Lanka’s ongoing engagement with the Commonwealth of Learning.

Attending the meeting on behalf of the High Commission of Canada were Mr. Patrick Pickering, Acting Counsellor (Political and Trade), and Mr. Kiril Iordanov, Head of Cooperation. Representing Sri Lanka were Mr. Pradeep Saputhanthri, Secretary to the Prime Minister; Ms. Sagarika Bogahawatta, Additional Secretary to the Prime Minister; and Ms. Pramuditha Manusinghe, Director (Europe & North America), Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Foreign Employment and Tourism.

Prime Minister’s Media Division

H.E. Mr. Sergey Viktorov, Ambassador of the Republic of Kazakhstan to Sri Lanka, paid a courtesy call to Prime Minister Dr. Harini Amarasuriya on 15 December at Temple Trees.

The meeting focused on Sri Lanka’s ongoing rebuilding and rehabilitation efforts following Cyclone Ditwah. The Prime Minister outlined the government’s priorities in the recovery process, including the restoration of essential infrastructure, housing, and agricultural livelihoods. She also highlighted the support extended by international partners in facilitating these efforts.

Discussions further covered the strengthening of bilateral cooperation between Sri Lanka and Kazakhstan. Both sides explored opportunities to enhance economic engagement, with emphasis on promoting investment and increasing tourist arrivals from Kazakhstan. The potential for collaboration in the field of education, particularly through student exchange programmes and joint research initiatives, was also noted as an area of mutual interest.

Representing the Embassy of the Republic of Kazakhstan was Mr. Rustem Jamankulov, Deputy Head of Mission. Representing Sri Lanka were Mr. Pradeep Saputhanthri, Secretary to the Prime Minister; Ms. Sagarika Bogahawatta, Additional Secretary to the Prime Minister; Ms. Chamari Rodrigo, Director General, bSoutheast & Central Asia Division; and Ms. Irosha Cooray, Director, Southeast & Central Asia Division, Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Foreign Employment and Tourism.

Prime Minister’s Media Division

The ninth phase of the islandwide programme to recognise outstanding achievers of G.C.E. Advanced Level implemented by the Presidential Fund, was held under the patronage of Prime Minister Dr. Harini Amarasuriya on the 14 th of December at Temple Trees.

Under this phase, students from the Western Province who obtained excellent results at the G.C.E. Advanced Level Examinations in the year 2023 and 2024 were recognised. Accordingly, 361 outstanding students from the Colombo, Gampaha and Kalutara districts were awarded scholarships amounting to LKR 36.1 million by the Presidential Fund.

Addressing at the event, Prime Minister Dr. Harini Amarasuriya stated that the Presidential Fund is a public fund belonging to the people, and that the government has made a special effort to ensure it is perceived and functions in the interest of the general public.

The Prime Minister further noted that the government has succeeded in transforming the Presidential Fund which previously seen as accessible mainly to those holding special power or positions, and characterised by complex procedures difficult for ordinary citizens into a simplified system that allows applications to be submitted online and through Divisional Secretariat offices near you.

The Prime Minister emphasised that all these programmes are being implemented with the objective of developing human resources in a manner compatible with the contemporary world with the aim of moving the country forward. She further stated that the government is committed to nurturing human resources capable of understanding and navigating the complexities of the modern world.

She noted that in this regard, a new agenda has been initiated to bring a transformation into the education system from 2026 onwards, with the aim of producing productive and responsible citizens.

The Prime Minister also stressed the need to nurture a responsible human resource that values democracy, loves and protects the environment, demonstrates leadership, compassion, and a sense of collectivity.

The Prime Minister reiterated that every government has intervened in the education of students using public funds generated through the taxes paid by all citizens, and noted that, it is precisely because you possess the ability to serve society and provide leadership that you are considered valuable to us.

The Prime Minister stated, the recognition conferred today is an investment in you and those who receive education and recognition under the government intervention bear a responsibility to serve society.

Speaking at the event, Minister of Labour and Deputy Minister of Finance and Planning, Mr. Anil Jayantha, stated that while the Presidential Fund had previously been widely known among the public primarily as a source of financial assistance for severe illnesses such as heart disease, the scope of its utilisation has been expanded under the new government, with education identified as a key focus area.

He further noted that the government’s vision of inclusivity is closely aligned with the objectives of the Presidential Fund.

The event was attended by the Senior Additional Secretary to the President and Secretary to the Presidential Fund, Mr. Roshan Gamage; Members of Parliament Mr. Chandana Sooriyaarachchi, Mr. Chandima Hettiarachchi, and Lieutenant Commander (Retired) Prageeth Madhuranga; Governor of the Western Province Mr. Hanif Yusoof; the Chairman of the University Grants Commission; members of the Board of Management of the Presidential Fund; public officials; the students who were recognised; and their parents and guardians.

Prime Minister’s Media Division

Prime Minister Dr. Harini Amarasuriya stated that education should not be a burden to children during the recovery period after the disaster, and priority must be given to their psychosocial well-being. The Prime Minister emphasized that this approach would help foster a supportive school environment during disaster situations.

The Prime Minister made these remarks while addressing a discussion held with education authorities of the Nuwara Eliya District on measures to restore educational activities and reopen schools for students following the recent disaster situation.

Although the Ministry of Education has decided to reopen schools island-wide on the 16 th of December, the Prime Minister noted that the authority has been granted to the relevant provincial and district authorities to make decisions regarding the reopening of schools in the affected areas.

The Prime Minister further stated that prior to reopening schools located in high-risk areas, recommendations from the National Building Research Organization must be obtained, and special attention should be paid to access roads and infrastructure. The Prime Minister further mentioned that teachers and students who have experienced hardships should be allowed flexibility in wearing comfortable attire.

During the meeting, District education authorities informed that, despite numerous challenges, educational reforms are progressing rapidly, and that 51% of teacher training activities in the Nuwara Eliya District have already been completed. Addressing the meeting, the Prime Minister further stressed that these challenges must be overcome collectively in order to move forward to achieve a better position than before following the disaster situation.

The event was attended by Deputy Minister of Education and Higher Education Dr. Madhura Seneviratne; Chairman of the District Coordinating Committee and Member of Parliament Manjula Suraweera arachchi; Members of Parliament Kalai Chelvi and Anushka Tilakaratne, Nuwara Eliya District Secretary Ms. Thushari Tennakoon; and several government officials.

Prime Minister’s Media Division

The Prime Minister Dr. Harini Amarasuriya met with Mr. Julian Hill, M.P., Assistant Minister for Citizenship, Customs and Multicultural Affairs and Assistant Minister for International Education of Australia, on 11 December 2025 at the Ministry of Education, Isurupaya.

During the meeting, the Prime Minister expressed appreciation for the support extended by the Government of Australia with a contribution of AUD 3.5 million following the recent adverse weather conditions that affected the entire nation to provide humanitarian assistance and restore essential services. The Prime Minister further stated that Sri Lanka has completed search and rescue operations and is now beginning the next phase of recovery, focusing on resettlement, relocation, and rebuilding.

The discussion underscored education, covered bilateral relations, development cooperation, economic and trade ties, tourism, investment opportunities, and regional collaboration. The Prime Minister acknowledged Australia’s longstanding cooperation in the education sector, including development assistance, the expansion of higher education and scholarships offered under the Australia Awards programme.

The representatives reaffirmed Australia’s role as a long-term strategic partner of Sri Lanka and emphasized Australia’s continued commitment to supporting the country’s education sector. They noted that Australia remains dedicated to being a reliable and high-quality partner in advancing Sri Lanka’s education priorities and broader development goals.

The meeting was attended by the Australian High Commissioner to Sri Lanka H.E. Matthew Duckworth, First Assistant Secretary Ms. Karen Ann Sandercock, Chief of Staff Mr. Cameron Geoffrey Green, Deputy High Commissioner of the Australian High Commission in Colombo Ms. Ruth Baird and representing Sri Lanka Secretary to the Ministry of Education, Higher Education and Vocational Education Mr. Nalaka Kaluwewe, Additional Secretary (Development) Higher Education Sector Ms. Apsara Caldera, and officials from the Ministry of Education and the Ministry of foreign affairs.

Prime Minister’s Media Division

A meeting between representatives of UNICEF and Prime Minister Dr. Harini Amarasuriya was held on the 10 th of December at the Prime Minister&rsquos Office.

During the discussion, an initial review of the new digitalization policy draft was conducted, and it was emphasized that the new digital policy must be formulated to align with the ongoing education reforms.

The Prime Minister highlighted that the digital policy should be developed in a way that supports all five core pillars of the current education reforms, including curriculum reform, infrastructure development, and administrative restructuring.

It was further noted that the current draft is primarily focused on curriculum-related matters, and the digital policy should be structured to influence the overall education reform process.

Extensive discussions were also held on the importance of digital literacy, NEMIS, the provision of digital infrastructure, and minimizing the existing digital divide.

Attention was also drawn to the gaps in the current teacher training mechanisms , and the Prime Minister stressed the need to reduce paper usage.

The meeting was attended by the UNICEF representatives Dr. Emma Brigham and Deborah Wyburn, Secretary to the Prime Minister Pradeep Saputhanthri, Additional Secretary A.B.M. Ashraff, and several other officials.

Prime Minister’s Media Division